Save money on gas--be an egg-foot
By: Drivers.com staff
Date: 2001-07-08
With gasoline price increases in North America, Consumer Reports magazine offers drivers some advice on how to save money-perhaps several hundred dollars a year:
- Plan ahead. Whenever possible, combine several short trips into one long one, to drive as little as possible with a cold engine.
- Use a light foot, not a lead foot. Imagine that you have an egg strapped to the bottom of your right shoe and you have to step on the accelerator and brake pedals without breaking the egg.
- Try to anticipate traffic conditions and maintain a constant speed. Watch ahead for changes in traffic signals, and avoid getting caught behind exiting traffic or cars making a left-hand turn.
- Drive at 55 mph on the highway whenever prudent. Fuel economy plummets if you drive faster. However, don't become a roadblock on a crowded highway where the speed limit is 65 or even 70 mph. Use cruise control.
- Keep the engine correctly tuned and the tires inflated properly (see the inside door panel for the correct pressure).
- Leave all the unnecessary cargo in the garage. Remove a luggage or ski rack whenever you aren't using it.
- Buy regular gasoline unless your car specifically requires midgrade or premium fuel. Higher-octane gasoline won't make a car run better or get better fuel economy.
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